The Wellbeing Lab with Will Young

We've reached the final episode of Season 1 and I've saved one of my favourite topics 'til last. In this episode I explore the world of attachment with research scientist Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk. Dr. Suzanne's research begins with tiny babies, but she says our attachment styles can affect us into adulthood. It's fascinating stuff.If you want to learn more, you can read up on attachment on Dr. Suzanne's website.All being well, we'll be back with Season 2 soon, so make sure you're subscribed to the podcast to stay up to date with new releases.And please keep getting in touch. I want the Wellbeing Lab community to continue so here's all the ways you can be part of that community:Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Email: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comThe Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm trying out yoga therapy this week with the wonderful Colleen Lally. I went along to a session with Colleen to find out how yoga therapy differs from the yoga I'm used to and to discover who it helps. I describe the session later in the episode, but first you'll hear my chat with Colleen which we recorded a few days after our first meeting.You can find out all about the Recovery Wellness Collective on their website.Colleen recommends these resources if you're looking for support around the issue of substance use, as discussed in the episode:Adfam gives information, local support groups and helplines for anyone affected by someone else’s substance misuse. Al-Anon Family Groups provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking, regardless of whether that person is still drinking or not.DrugFAM Are you affected by someone else's drug or alcohol addiction? Are you bereaved through drug or alcohol use? Contact their free helpline from 9am-9pm, 7 days a week on 0300 888 3853. National Association for Children of Alcoholics offers information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking.I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts about this episode, or any other. You can contact the lab on the links below:Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Email: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comThe Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you feel when you think about your finances? Does it bring up difficult emotions? Money can be a hard thing to talk about and is often closely linked to our mental health. I decided to dig into the common issues that link money and mental health with Helen Undy, who's the Chief Executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute.If you'd like to access any of the helpful resources Helen mentioned in the interview, you can find them here.If you have personal experience of mental health problems and would like to get involved in Money and Mental Health's work, you can sign up to their Research Community here. It's a chance to share your story, and to help break the link between mental health and money problems. The Samaritans can be contacted on the phone on 116 123 or click here for their website.Please get in touch if you have anything to say about this episode, or any other. We'd love to hear from you. You can contact the lab on the links below:Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Email: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comThe Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm diving deep into the complex world of abandonment with the psychotherapist and abandonment expert Susan Anderson. We talk about the universal experience of abandonment fear, why it affects some of us more than others, and the work we can do to overcome it.If you're looking for further information on abandonment, you can find out about Susan's books and events on her website.The book I mentioned was Healing the Shame That Binds You by John Bradshaw.Please let me know what you thought of the episode. You can contact the lab on any of these links: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Email: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comThe Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cold water swimming has exploded in popularity in recent years and many people say taking a chilly dip helps with their mental health, so I thought I'd try it out.Now, I have to come clean and tell you that, although I was swimming outdoors in a lake, my swim wouldn't officially be classed as a cold water swim because the water was actually quite warm... but I still felt many benefits and I squealed when getting into the water.My guest is Simon Kerslake who's the volunteer secretary for the Outdoor Swimming Society. Here are the books he recommends:Why We Swim by Bonnie TsuiWaterlog by Roger DeakinHaunts of the Black Masseur by Charles SprawsonThe Mindful Art of Wild Swimming by Tessa WardleyThe Outdoor Swimmers' Handbook by Kate RewPlease get in touch if you have anything to say about this episode, or any other. You can contact the lab on the links below:Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Email: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comThe Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 15 I learn about the world of Chronic Pain, a condition that affects far more people than I realised. My guest is Dr Alan Fayaz, a consultant in pain medicine at University College London Hospital. He guides me through the science behind why we feel pain, explains what's happening when someone experiences chronic pain and educates me on the most up to date research in the field.If you're looking for further reading or information on Chronic Pain, Dr Alan suggests looking at this page on the British Pain Society's website, which has a whole host of links and resources.As always, let me know what you think about this episode, or any other. You can contact the lab on the links below:Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Email: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comThe Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the Wellbeing Lab this week I discuss eating disorders with Dr Omara Naseem. She's a counselling psychologist and a specialist in treating eating disorders. I came to this topic with great curiosity but knowing very little and I left having learnt a lot. We don't use any descriptive language in this episode, but if you feel like this may be a triggering topic please proceed with caution.As ever, I'd love to know what you think. You can get in touch with the lab via the links belowInstagram, Facebook, Twitter or Email: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comAnd here are some resources that Dr Omara recommends if you're looking for further information:Beat Eating Disorders charityGetting Better Bite by BiteSkills-based Caring for a Loved One with an Eating DisorderDr Omara's websiteFreddie Flintoff's documentary (available on iPlayer until Sept 2022)The Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I experience Reiki for the first time. "What's Reiki?" I hear you ask. Well, my guest Sushma Sagar, who is a Reiki Master and founder of The Calmery, tells me all about the healing and energy practice in this episode, plus you'll also hear what happened when I went along and tested it out for myself.You can find out more about Sushma via her website and this is her book Find Your Flow.As always, let me know about your experiences with Reiki. You can contact the lab on the links below:Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Email: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comThe Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode takes a deep dive into the world of narcissism. Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Chetna Kang tells me about the spectrum of narcissistic traits, what to expect if you're in a relationship with a narcissist and how the disorder can be treated. It's a big topic and we could have talked for hours.As always, let me know what you think about this episode, or any other. You can contact the lab on the links below:Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Email: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comYou can find out more about Chetna and her work on her website.The Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there a good way to have an argument? My guest Ian Leslie thinks so. In order to better understand conflict, he spent time with hostage negotiators, interrogators and all kinds of people who have difficult conversations for a living. In this episode he tells me about what he learnt and how we can use some of the techniques to communicate better in our own relationships.I'd love to know what you think. You can contact the lab on the links below:Instagram @thewellbeinglabpodcastFacebook @thewellbeinglabpodcastTwitter @thewellbeinglabEmail: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comIf you'd like to read more of Ian's work, the book 'How to Disagree' is here and this is his website.The Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a biggie... I'm discussing the vast subject of trauma and also how EMDR therapy can help those who've experienced it.My first guest is Jo Stubley, a Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist and Psychoanalyst (all the P’s!). We delve deep into what trauma actually is and why it sticks around. Then I speak to Catriona Morten who is a Psychotherapist and an EMDR practitioner. She explains why and how EMDR therapy works. I'd love to hear your thoughts. You can contact the lab in the following ways:Instagram @thewellbeinglabpodcastFacebook @thewellbeinglabpodcastTwitter @thewellbeinglabEmail: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comIf you're looking for further reading on trauma, Jo Stubley recommends the following books for different specificities:Understanding TraumaTrauma and RecoveryThe Power Threat Meaning FrameworkTrauma and MemoryComplex TraumaThe Body Keeps the ScoreAnd here's all the info for MY new book Be Yourself and HappierThe Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've got a good episode for you, delving into Agoraphobia and Shamanism. I talk first to Charlotte Levin who is the author of ‘If I Can’t Have You’ and lives with agoraphobia. And later I chat to Jo Bowlby, who is a Shaman and author of a book called ‘A Book for Life’.If you relate to anything we've discussed in the podcast so far I want to hear from you, please get in touch...Instagram @thewellbeinglabpodcastFacebook @thewellbeinglabpodcastTwitter @thewellbeinglabEmail: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comHere are some links and resources: Anxiety UK have useful information about AgoraphobiaYou can find Charlotte on Twitter and Instagram and her book can be found hereJo Bowlby's book is here and you can learn more about her work on her websiteAnd here's all the info for MY new book Be Yourself and HappierThe Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s another great episode exploring Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and sound therapy.First of all I talk to Helen from Wiltshire who lives with OCD. She describes the triggers for her contamination OCD, when she got her diagnosis and how it affects her day to day life.Then I speak to Jane Everett, a sound therapist who runs ‘Silence and Noise’. I visited her in Cornwall for a session and it was the most beautiful afternoon. At the end of the episode you can hear some of the soundscapes Jane creates.Here are some useful links and resources: OCD UK is a charity providing advice and support to those affected by OCD. The charity 'Mind' also has a list of useful contacts if you're looking for support with OCD.Jane can be found at her website or on Instagram.And here's all the info for MY new book Be Yourself and Happier.The Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I discuss dissociative disorders and equine therapy. Would you put those two topics together? I would!First of all I talk to Emma Jack, who is the Deputy CEO & Deputy Clinical Director at CDS UK. She sheds light on the intricacies of dissociative disorders. Then I trot over to Richmond Park for a conversation with Dr Andreas Liefooghe, a psychologist, psychotherapist and lifelong horseman who runs Operation Centaur in Richmond Park. I got to meet one of the horses Dr Andreas works with as he explained equine therapy.Here are some useful links and resources: These links are for Operation Centaur's social media channels and this is Dr Andreas' book.For further reading, Emma Jack recommends two books: The Truth About Trauma and Dissociation and The Body Keeps the Score.And here's where you can find my new book Be Yourself and Happier.The Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a great episode this week. It’s insomnia, it’s breathing, it’s fascinating.My first guest is Dr Hugh Selsick, a consultant in psychiatry and sleep medicine who runs a sleep clinic at the Royal London Hospital. Dr Hugh busts some common myths around treating insomnia and Domino snores the whole way through! I also speak to James Nestor who is an author and science journalist. He taught me a lot about the art of breathing and the science that backs it up.If you have questions or comments about any of the episodes so far, you can contact the podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or you can email hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.com. I'd love to hear from you.Here are some useful links and resources: Dr Hugh recommends this free app for insomnia treatment, as well as these three books on the topic.Here's more info about James Nestor's best-selling book Breath.And here's all the info for MY new book Be Yourself and Happier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I present you with a sex special!Often people don’t talk about sex enough so I want to explore two issues on opposite ends of the spectrum... sex addiction and loss of sex drive. Joining me is Marian O’Connor, a psychosexual and relationship therapist and head of psychosexual training at Tavistock Relationships, and Dr Amani Zarroug, a clinical psychologist and relationship and psychosexual therapist. We discuss the role of porn in sex addiction, what might cause a loss in sex drive and how culture makes its mark on our sexual attitudes.Please keep getting in touch. You can contact the podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or you can email hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.com.Here are some useful links and resources: You can find Dr Amani on Instagram or via her website.Marian's website is here and she has chapters in two recent books.And here's all the info for MY new book Be Yourself and Happier.The Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I talk about feedback in the workplace, why nobody wants to receive it and nobody wants to give it! I discuss how to deal with difficult workplace relationships and how to ask for a raise... that’s a really tricky one. My guest is Thomas Erikson, a lecturer, management consultant, and author of ‘Surrounded By Idiots’.Also this episode I speak to Tracey Shors, a neuroscientist and distinguished professor at Rutgers University. She's got some interesting ideas about rumination and how to overcome it and she's the author of a book called ‘Everyday Trauma’.I'd love to hear from you if anything you've heard resonates. You can contact the podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or you can email hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comHere are some useful links and resources: You can find Thomas on Instagram and there's information about his books here.Here's more about Tracey's book Everyday Trauma.And here's all the info for MY new book Be Yourself and Happier.The Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thank you all so much for getting in touch. I love hearing from you and I'm proud of the community we’re creating.In this week's episode I chat to the founder of ‘Renew Breakup Bootcamp’ Amy Chan and discuss all things relationships, including the myth of closure. I loved the chat with Amy and her book is fantastic. I also speak to Vijay Rana, a somatic experience trauma practitioner. I’ve worked with Vijay for a long time and have learnt a lot about what somatic therapy is and how the nervous system works in driving the mind. Enjoy!Here are some useful links and resources: You can connect with Amy Chan on Instagram and find out more about her bootcamps here, plus you can find her book here.Here's the still face experiment video Vijay mentioned and his website is here if you want to find out more about his work.And here's all the info for MY new book Be Yourself and Happier, which comes out next month.The Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Wellbeing Lab Podcast I chat about Body Dysmorphic Disorder with Hannah Kate Lewis, who is currently studying for a PhD in eating disorder prevention and also has personal experience with BDD. It's a topic that deserves more attention and I'm pleased I've been able to shine a light on it. I also chat to Dr Helen Kennerley who is a consultant clinical psychologist and an expert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I had really interesting conversations with both guests about CBT and I learnt a lot in this episode, I hope you do too.I also spoke to YOU dear listener about your experiences with body dysmorphia, I really appreciate you getting in touch and sharing your stories.Here are some useful links and resources: Hannah recommends looking up the BDD Foundation if you're after more information on BDD.Here's more on David Burns' Feeling Good, the book that Helen and I discussed.And here's all the info for MY new book Be Yourself and Happier, which comes out next month.The Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to the first episode of The Wellbeing Lab - live from my kitchen table and, of course, sat next to the dogs. This week, I chat to psychotherapist and addiction specialist Pamela Roberts exploring the subject of shopping addiction. We discuss the addiction itself, as well as what might be beneath it. Also on today’s episode, I discuss the importance of boundaries with author, speaker and life coach Michelle Elman. Get ready to wave goodbye to people pleasing!I’d LOVE to hear from you, please write in with your experiences and I’ll read and discuss next week. Please note that all correspondence is treated with strict confidentiality.Get in touch via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or email hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.comHere are some useful links and resources:Find out more about Pamela's work hereAnd if you're interested in Michelle's book, have a look here. You can connect with her on social media tooI also have a book coming out, more on that next week, but you can find out about it here in the meantimeThe Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.